The short answer
Turnaround depends on the property type, size, access and the current workload, and is confirmed in writing with the fee before the inspection. We will tell you realistically when the report can be delivered and can prioritise urgent transactional or safety-related instructions where possible. We would rather agree a realistic timescale than promise one we cannot meet, because the value of a survey is in getting the assessment right.
Use the written timing confirmed before inspection instead of relying on an unsupported standard turnaround.
Key considerations
Initial enquiry and property details
You tell us the property type, location, your concern and the decision you need to make.
Report prepared
A clear written report sets out condition, defects, repair priorities and recommendations.
What to do next
Allow timing to reflect property type, size and access.
Obtain the delivery timing in writing before inspection.
Ask whether an urgent transaction or safety instruction can be prioritised.
Use a realistic agreed timescale rather than a fixed promise.
London area guides
Related services
Sources and standards
Related questions
When should I instruct a building surveyor in London?
Instruct a building surveyor before you commit money or accept liability: before buying or leasing a property, before major or refurbishment works, before leasehold repair or service-charge decisions, before planned maintenance budgeting, or when damp, cracking or movement appears. Early advice quantifies condition and risk while you still have room to negotiate, plan or budget. Managing agents, freeholders and asset managers also instruct surveys at the start of an ownership or maintenance cycle so repairs can be prioritised and funded properly rather than reactively.
Do you handle residential and commercial instructions?
Yes. We advise on residential houses and flats, period and mansion blocks, mixed-use buildings, commercial offices and retail, schools and public-sector property, and specialist assets across North, North West, Central, West, South West, South East and East London. The reporting is tailored to the asset and the client decision, whether that is a private purchase, a commercial acquisition, an ownership review, a leasehold repair question or a planned maintenance programme for an estate.
Do you act for managing agents, freeholders and residential blocks?
Yes. Managing agents, freeholders, resident management companies and right to manage companies are core clients. We provide condition surveys, defect diagnosis, repair prioritisation and planned maintenance advice for blocks and estates, and we link this directly into Section 20 and major works consultancy where qualifying works are involved. Acting independently of contractors means our advice can be relied on by leaseholders and boards as objective.
Related guidance
Local Level 3 building survey guides
Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.
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